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Start ’em, Sit ’em: Landry draws favorable matchup against Tampa Bay

By Grant Ramirez

Sports Blogger

@Grant_Ramirez3

Start ‘em

Jay Ajayi, RB, Philadelphia Eagles (vs DAL)

Jay Ajayi made the most of his limited opportunities in his Eagles debut in Week 9, averaging 9.6 yards per carry. The Eagles’ bye week allowed Ajayi more time to get comfortable in Philadelphia’s system, so he should receive more playing time in this week’s contest in Dallas. The Cowboys’ defense has played well as of late, allowing an average of only 18 points per game since their bye week. However, losing star linebacker Sean Lee to a hamstring injury is a huge blow. Expect Ajayi to take the reins of the Eagles’ running attack and have a productive game.

Tyreek Hill, WR, Kansas City Chiefs (vs NYG)

In his last game before Kansas City’s bye week, Tyreek Hill was essentially shut down other than an unbelievable play before halftime against the Cowboys. However, I’d expect him to bounce back on Sunday against the Giants. New York has let up multiple huge plays to the 49ers and Rams the past two weeks and explosive plays are Hill’s specialty. In addition, Andy Reid’s teams are historically great coming off their bye weeks, so expect their offense to look sharp, which another boost for Hill.

Jarvis Landry, WR, Miami Dolphins (vs TB)

(JC Ruiz, Flickr)

Jarvis Landry hasn’t topped the 50-yard mark in his past three games, however, I wouldn’t count him out just yet. On Sunday, he will face a vulnerable Tampa Bay defense that ranks in the bottom five in passing defense. Plus, despite his low yardage numbers, he has scored a touchdown in each of the past two weeks, proving to be a dependable red zone target for Jay Cutler as of late.

Sit ‘em

Marcus Mariota, QB, Tennessee Titans (vs PIT)

Although he didn’t have an overly impressive performance, Marcus Mariota played a solid game on Sunday in a win against Cincinnati. This week, he travels to Pittsburgh to take on a Steelers’ defense that has quietly been outstanding this season. They rank No. 1 in the league, higher than teams like Jacksonville and Denver whose defenses get a lot more credit. In addition, Tennessee’s running game has struggled as of late, which doesn’t make it any easier for Mariota to perform because he must do a lot more for the offense.

Charles Clay, TE, Buffalo Bills (vs LAC)

Charles Clay struggled in Week 10 at home against the Saints, and I wouldn’t expect a big bounce back game from him on Sunday. He will face a good San Diego pass defense that ranks No. 11. If that wasn’t enough, Buffalo surprisingly benched starting quarterback Tyrod Taylor this week in favor of fifth-round rookie Nathan Peterman. With such an unknown at quarterback, I wouldn’t count on any Buffalo receiver to have a big game. That includes Clay, though he has been the Bills most reliable target.

Robert Woods, WR, Los Angeles Rams (vs MIN)

Robert Woods had a phenomenal performance in Houston, putting up 171 receiving yards and two touchdowns. He won’t put up those numbers every week, but he has proven to be a good fantasy option. Woods draws a tough assignment on Sunday, however, facing a great Vikings’ defense and elite corner Xavier Rhodes. Rhodes usually travels with opposing No. 1 receivers and Woods has proven to be that for the Rams, outplaying Sammy Watkins. It’ll be tough for him to gain separation and make the big plays he has made the past few weeks against this secondary.